By Laura Paterson and Tom Martin
Police Scotland has condemned the “completely unacceptable” level of damage to force vehicles caused by antisocial behaviour.
Repairs to police vehicles targeted by vandals have cost the force more than £400,000 over the past five years, new figures show.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said the attacks endanger officers, undermine public safety, and ultimately cost taxpayers money.
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information legislation found that Police Scotland paid £412,129 between 2021/22 and the current financial year for repairs to police vehicles damaged by antisocial behaviour.
ACC Mairs said: “This level of damage is completely unacceptable. Police vehicles are essential, they enable officers to respond to emergencies, protect the public and keep our communities safe.
“When they are deliberately damaged, it not only wastes significant public money but also risks taking vital resources off the road when they are most needed, as well as risking the safety of our officers.
“The cost of repairing this damage is borne by the taxpayer – money that could otherwise be invested in frontline policing and community services. And the impact on the wellbeing of our officers is considerable.”
Recent years have seen several attacks on Police Scotland officers and vehicles, notably on Bonfire Night.
Last year, fireworks were thrown at emergency service vehicles, including police, with one patrol car seriously damaged on Netherton Road in Glasgow.
In 2024 fireworks, bricks and bottles were launched at cars and police vehicles in Edinburgh.
On Halloween that year, an officer in the city was also injured after a brick was thrown through the window of her police car.
On Bonfire Night in 2023, 62 officers were injured in “unprecedented” violence as youths threw fireworks at officers, vehicles, and buildings – including in Niddrie, Edinburgh (main photo).
In July of that year, police vehicles were damaged and officers had objects thrown at them during an “unofficial car meet” at Aberdeen beach.
“Targeting police vehicles puts officers at risk, and the safety of our officers and staff is our number one priority”
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs
The highest repair costs for Police Scotland vehicles damaged by antisocial behaviour occurred in 2023/24 and totalled £107,760.
ACC Mairs added: “Antisocial behaviour of this kind undermines public safety and will not be tolerated.
“We are committed to identifying those responsible and will take action against anyone who targets police vehicles or engages in behaviour that puts officers and the public at risk.
“Our people put themselves in harm’s way every day to serve communities and keep people safe.
“Targeting police vehicles puts officers at risk, and the safety of our officers and staff is our number one priority. We are committed to protecting our personnel from injury and harm while on duty.
“We continue to urge members of the public to report antisocial behaviour so that we can work together to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”
Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Liam Kerr told 1919 that taxpayers would be “appalled” at the size of the repair bill.
“The SNP’s soft-touch approach has emboldened those who think this sort of behaviour is acceptable in our communities and know they won’t be properly punished,” he added.
“This is vital money that would have been better spent on supporting frontline policing activities which are under huge pressure after years of SNP cuts.
“Ministers must take responsibility for this and guarantee officers will have what they require to tackle growing levels of antisocial behaviour in our communities.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Antisocial behaviour is unacceptable. It endangers police officers, affects frontline policing activity, and has a detrimental impact on people and communities.
“Police Scotland and local authorities lead on interventions and have a range of options and powers available for preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour.
“Through our Cashback for Communities programme, we have also committed £156 million since 2008 to support young people who are most at risk of being involved in violence, antisocial behaviour or crime.
“This year, we are investing a record £1.64 billion for policing – an increase of £90 million on 2024/25.
“Scotland continues to be a safe place to live, with more police officers per capita than England and Wales and recorded crime having fallen by more than half since 1991.”
